While some might shun dressing up for the gym, it can be nice to make an effort during this less-than-flattering time. We love good-looking activewear, even while we’re huffing and puffing through a spin class.

L.A.-based Body Language has just launched in Canada, and we are welcoming this brand with open (toned) arms. It’s a collection of workout gear that looks like it has come out of a fancy Hollywood gym, expect to find snakeskin print, Flashdance-style Tees, and super flattering tanks. A favourite is the Scrunchy Capri ($72), which features a gathered waistband that guarantees no muffin top.

Made with a nice, thick fabric with excellent compression (read: they hold everything in), you can downward dog without worrying about baring it all. — Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

Body Language Sportswear at Barre Fitness, 1186 Marine Dr., North Vancouver, 604-971-4161, www.barrefitness.com/north-shore

A quick trip to the drugstore means stocking up on our editors' go-to products.

To whiten my teeth I could give up coffee but that would mean, well, giving up coffee. Instead I’ll opt for Crest’s amped-up line of whitening warriors like 3D White Whitestrips Intensive Professional Effects, which is said to produce results comparable to in-office laser treatments. $74.99 at London Drugs.

Long-lasting mascara is the superhero of my beauty routine. But my lashes don’t always see it that way. Marcelle Renforcils Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover is a gentle gel formulated to save vulnerable lashes while being kryptonite for mascara. $17.50 at London Drugs.

—Kelsey Dundon

I'm undeniably lazy when it comes to lotioning up. That's why I love the new and ingenious Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer: it takes mere seconds, so no more excuses.
$8.99 at Shoppers Drug Mart.  —Anya Georgijevic


My favourite drugstore nail polish is Revlon, which has great staying power and a nice sheen. I love the colour Goldfinger, as it looks great in the summer and is very forgiving to us lazy types. You can barely see the chips. $7.99 at Shoppers Drug Mart. —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

Your office is paperless, your coffee is fair-trade, and your bras are bamboo.

Next step on your path to earthly enlightenment: organic facials.

The beautifully conceived Bioethique Holistic Day Spa and Boutique is a certified organic spa using all-natural ingredients in products made in their green energy lab in Haute Provence, France, and dispensed from their lovely Kitsilano spa-front.

The white-washed interior, stunning antique light fixtures and bouquet of quince blossoms had us at bonjour.
The BioEthique Signature Facial ($235,) which was 2 hours of sheer bliss, included an organic mud masque, custom blended for our skin type from a row of apothecary jars, and LED light therapy, that made our skin plump to the touch. BioEthique’s own Tamanu Oil Serum, derived from a Polynesian nut, was soothing and healing, while the shoulder massage had us melting into the spa bed.

Ethical never felt so easy. —Sarah Bancroft

Bioethique Holistic Day Spa and Boutique, 3578 W. Fourth Ave., Vancouver, 604-558-2008, www.bioethiquespa.com

Maybe we have it all wrong.

Maybe the key to doing more is to do, well, nothing. At least for 60 seconds at a time. Whil, a new initiative by Chip and Shannon Wilson (whose names you might recognize from a certain Vancouver-based yoga clothing company), hinges on this concept with micro meditations designed to be practiced anywhere. Like wherever you happen to be at this very moment. It’s simple: breathe, focus and set a goal for the next few hours.

Now power down and get started. —Kelsey Dundon

http://whil.com

We’re drawn to Whistler for two reasons: the mountains and the luxury.

Inspired by the latter, Whistler Naturals is a new vegan skin care line that’s made in BC and is as natural as the outdoors – it’s free of synthetic colours and harsh preservatives. We scrubbed away our skin sins with the Vanilla Silk Sugar Scrub ($17.98), which is the colour of brown sugar and smells like you’re exfoliating with delightfully sweet cake batter. Then we lathered up with the Naked Apricot Lily Body Butter ($17.98), the kind of thick moisturizer you’d use to tackle your knees and elbows in the middle of winter.

Or, say, when you’re up in the mountains. —Kelsey Dundon

www.whistlernaturals.com

We’re giving winter the olfactory send-off.

Goodbye, deep woodsy fragrances and hello sparkling notes of bergamot, apple blossom, jasmine, sandalwood and vanilla. The object of our new season affection? See by Chloé eau de parfum (from $55 at Sephora).

This first fragrance by the maison shares big sister Chloé’s sophisticated and chic disposition, but with a fresh and youthful flair that’s bright, cheery and, admittedly, addictive.

One spritz and it’s au revoir, grey February days! —Christine Laroche

From $55 at www.sephora.ca

Betty or Veronica? The enduring question…for Archie, at least.

Now the famous redhead’s amours have teamed up with MAC Cosmetics for a special Valentine’s Day collection titled “Archie’s Girls,” available February 7. Veronica delivers vixen-y goodies like the Boyfriend Stealer ($20) lipstick, a broody dark berry shade. But Betty’s got a couple of tricks up her sleeve as well: never underestimate the power of a fresh-faced beauty with her Cream Soda ($26) peachy blush.

Why these two beauties still fight over Archie is beyond us, but love often needs no reason.

Available at MAC counters and www.maccosmetics.com

—Anya Georgijevic

Skin and winter aren’t pals, but unless we win the jackpot and move to Maui, we’re stuck with this for at least another month.

Make the best of a bad match with a Canadian rescue product, like Bare Love Body ($38). This antioxidant-rich serum is packed with essential fatty acids, and vitamins, plus Omega 6 and 9, known to ease dry, chapped skin.
One pump goes a long way. Rub it in wherever your skin feels reptilian and prepare for smoother, softer skin in no time.

It’s no love affair, but friendship at least, could be on the cards. —Athena Tsavliris

http://www.barelovebeauty.com

No pain, no gain: the familiar, ever-so-truthful trainer motto we never want to hear.

This sweat-hating beauty editor was subjected to an inaugural Friday lunchtime spin class with trainer Hayley McGowan, fitness expert from LaineyGossip.com, at Sweat Co. downtown… and she survived! Usually, lunch breaks are spent texting friends and Instagraming my dog’s cute mug, but I suppose once week, I can live without. Forty-five minutes, three hills, and 500 calories later, I’m a spin believer. I mean, any exercise that lets you occasionally sit on your butt and still burn your entire breakfast and part of last night’s dinner can’t be that bad. Hayley is a tough cookie, but her energy is infectious.

Yeah, it hurts, but at this rate I’ll be spinning into my short shorts in no time.  —Anya Georgijevic

$22.50 for drop in, Sweat Co. Studios,
 736 Richards St.,
 Vancouver, 604-683-7938, sweatcostudios.com